Let's Kvetch

Rabbi Leban and Howard Wedgle are back for a Passover edition that’s equal parts preparation and pure kvetching. Between tech hiccups, chametz strategy, and the delicate art of surviving family at the Seder table, they tackle the real questions—like how many trips to the Kosher Deli is too many, and whether anyone has ever made it through a Haggadah without asking, “when do we eat?”It’s honest, a little chaotic, and surprisingly grounding… just like Pesach itself.

Car buying has a special way of bringing out the kvetch. In this episode of Let’s Kvetch, Rabbi Raphael Leban and Howard Wedgle are joined by automotive educator and auto broker Jesse Blum to talk trust, leasing vs. buying, Colorado driving, and the everyday frustrations that come with life on the road. From icy mornings and stubborn traffic lights to electric cars and “good deals” that aren’t always so good, the conversation moves beyond complaint and into perspective. Practical, honest, and unexpectedly uplifting.

The lights are twinkling, the playlists are relentless, and somehow everyone knows the words except us. This seasonal episode of Let’s Kvetch welcomes special guest Howie Shapiro, longtime community member and expert-level kvetcher, to join Rabbi Leban and Howard Wedgle for a December-themed riff on awkward greetings, nonstop Christmas music, and that familiar feeling of being gracious… while slightly out of step. Gentle kvetching, great stories, and the comforting reminder that kvetching together still counts as community.

A Hanukkah special recorded over corned beef, latkes, and parve sour cream, where the oil flows freely and so do the kvetches. From cleaning menorahs to gift-card side-eye to the eternal question of how many K’s are in Hanukkah, this episode proves you can celebrate miracles and complain responsibly at the same time.

Kvetching in Cars Eating Pizza?! In this very special episode, Howard and Rabbi Leban take the show on the road—literally—as they kvetch their way through Denver traffic on a quest for Brooklyn Pizza. Between debating sunglasses, gas mileage, and Colorado weather flexing on Boca, they dive into listener feedback on friendships, boundaries, and when (and how) to gracefully step back from a relationship… or offer honest feedback instead. Kosher pizza, constructive criticism, and classic kvetching—what more could you want?🍕🚗Listen now to Kvetching in Cars Eating Pizza: Let’s Kvetch Episode 16.

In this laugh-filled episode, Rabbi Raphael Leban and Howard Wedgle dive into Parshat Noach — kvetching about what it must’ve smelled like in the Ark, the endless rain, and those poor two worms. From there, they tackle a real listener's question: how do you politely step back from a friendship that just isn’t working anymore without hurting the other person’s feelings? The result is a mix of humor, honesty, and heartfelt insight about maintaining shalom — even when it’s a little, well, discordant.

After a High Holiday episode full of congregational kvetching, Rabbi Raphael Leban and Howard Wedgle head to BMH-BJ to hear the other side of the story — from the people who make synagogue life actually happen. Their guest, Executive Director Ilene Rosen, pulls back the curtain on the chaos, joy, and occasional coughing fits that come with hosting hundreds of Jews on the holiest days of the year. How do you keep smiling when everyone’s complaining about the temperature? Tune in for this special behind-the-scenes look at the art of staying gracious through the greatest of kvetches.

Rosh Hashanah is around the corner—Rabbi Raphael Leban and Howard Wedgle dive into the ultimate holiday kvetching session: temperature wars, synagogue seating drama, fashion critiques, marathon sermons, shofar bloopers, and more. With humor and heart, they remind us the Days of Awe are about blessings, not complaints.

This week Rabbi Leban & Howard sit down with Denver’s own barber, community leader, and Shabbat House founder Abo Simonov. From hysterical moments at the Wine & Cheese Gala (priceless, but not that priceless), to the unique challenges of navigating politics, personal kvetches, and respect in the barbershop chair—this episode is full of laughter, stories, and insights. Abo shares his journey from Tajikistan to Israel to America, how he holds space for all kinds of people in his shop, and the powerful message that respect can go “not 100%, but a million percent.” Kvetch responsibly—because even in a haircut, there’s wisdom (and humor) to be found. Tune in now—this cut’s worth the kvetch! 🎧

In this special episode of Let’s Kvetch, Rabbi Raphael Leban and Howard Wedgle welcome Avi Abelow, CEO of the Twelve Tribe Films Foundation and host of Pulse of Israel. From his life in Israel to his daily mission of peeling back headlines, Avi shares why he believes the Jewish people are living in times of redemption, how to balance respectful dialogue with truth-telling, and why kvetching only matters when it leads to growth. A spirited and thought-provoking conversation about faith, media, resilience, and the art of kvetching responsibly.

This week on Let’s Kvetch, Rabbi Leban and Howard flip the script: instead of kvetching, they’re kvelling! What does it mean to kvell? Can you kvell about a stranger’s success? Is there such a thing as too much kvelling? The hosts explore the origins of the word, its uniquely Jewish meaning, and more. Along the way, they tackle questions of modesty, cultural sensitivity, and whether we should all be kvelling just a little bit more.

This week's episode seves up a hearty helping of wisdom with a side of humor as Rabbi Abraham Cooper of the Simon Wiesenthal Center joins the table. From Yeshive University parking battles to high-stakes meetings with presidents, Rabbi Cooper shares how kvetching-done right-can build bridges, teach values, and even open diplomatic doors. Tune in for laughs, life lessons and a reminder to always kvetch resonsibly. 

Is it aging or just bad posture? We're kvetching about aches, pain and the real struggle of getting older (or just surviving a kid's soccer game.) Dr. Shimi Blau joins us for a hilarious and heartfelt episode on chronic pain, medical empathy, and how to redirect a long-winded kvetch - doctor style. 

This week, Howard shares a tech support nightmare of 'biblical proportions' after attempting to upgrade his home internet. From a no-show bucket truck to a technician who didn't want to do his job, Howard's kvetch takes us on a frustrating journey. But the story's happy ending leads Rabbi Leban to connect the experience to the deeper meaning of Tisha B'Av, and the power of responsible kvetching to fix what's wrong—in our homes and in the world.

In this mouthwatering episode - our very first on location - the Kvetch crew sets up shop at the iconic East Side Kosher Deli. Special guest (and deli owner) Shua Horowitz joins Rabbi Raphael and Howard Wedgle to dish out wisdom on how to handle kvetching from the other side of the counter. Shua shares how thick skin, validation, and a side of empathy can turn complaints into connection. Plus: the difference between kvetching and a suggestion, why online rants aren't as helpful as they seem, and the power of kvetching responsibly. Come for the deli vibes, stay for the menschkeit.  Tune in and remember: Kvetch responsibly.

In this episode of Let's Kvetch, Rabbi Raphael and Howard welcome their first ever guest: Dr. Evelyn Male, a licensed psychologist with deep insights-and great jokes-about the power of kvetching. Together they explore the fine line between kvetching, complaining, and whining, and dive into when it helps, when it bonds and when it just makes things worse. Bonus: a guide to kvetching without crossing into gossip-and a few manicure mishaps along the way. Tune in for smart laughs, serious wisdom, and of course, kvetching. 

Let's Kvetch Episode 4: Kvetch Now or Forever Hold Your PeaceIs there a right time to kvetch—or does timing make all the difference? In this episode, Rabbi Raphael Leban and Howard Wedgle take on travel woes, airline etiquette, and the eternal question: who really controls the airplane window shade? Along the way, they explore the deeper value of speaking up with purpose, kvetching for good, and keeping your eyes on the Tachlis.

Is kvetching really worth it? What does it actually do for the person doing the kvetching? In Episode 3 of Let’s Kvetch, Rabbi Raphael Leban and Howard Wedgle unpack the emotional payoff behind a good complaint. Is it cathartic? Destructive? Tune in as they explore when kvetching helps—and when it might be time to zip it. Now streaming on all major podcast platforms.

Rabbi Raphael Leban and Howard Wedgle discuss when the level of kvetching becomes too much. At what level does the kvetching listener put their foot down?Disclaimer: Rabbi Leban and Howard Wedgle stand with Israel in the struggle for the continued liberation of the hostages, the end of Hamas' reign of terror and to defend the nation. We mourn with the families of the fallen and pray for the speedy recovery of the wounded.

Introducing Let’s Kvetch — a new Clean Speech podcast where Rabbi Raphael Leban and Howard Wedgle tackle the ups and nu’s of daily life with humor, heart, and a touch of chutzpah. Each episode explores the art of speaking kindly (even when you're kvetching). Tune in for real talk, Jewish wisdom, and plenty of laughs.In this first episode, Rabbi Leban and Howard discuss what the term kvetch means and even welcomes their first listener mail!